Маленька принцеса
The Diamond Mines
Shehadtorememberthingsquicklywhenshelaidherbookonthewindow-seatandjumpeddownfromhercomfortablecorner.
Lottiehadbeenslidingacrosstheschoolroomfloor,and,havingfirstirritatedLaviniaandJessiebymakinganoise,hadendedbyfallingdownandhurtingherfatknee.Shewasscreaminganddancingupanddowninthemidstofagroupoffriendsandenemies,whowerealternatelycoaxingandscoldingher.
"Stopthisminute,youcry-baby!Stopthisminute!"Laviniacommanded.
"I’mnotacry-baby...I’mnot!"wailedLottie."Sara,Sa—ra!"
"Ifshedoesn’tstop,MissMinchinwillhearher,"criedJessie."Lottiedarling,I’llgiveyouapenny!"
"Idon’twantyourpenny,"sobbedLottie;andshelookeddownatthefatknee,and,seeingadropofbloodonit,burstforthagain.
Saraflewacrosstheroomand,kneelingdown,putherarmsroundher.
"Now,Lottie,"shesaid."Now,Lottie,youPROMISEDSara."
"ShesaidIwasacry-baby,"weptLottie.
Sarapattedher,butspokeinthesteadyvoiceLottieknew.
"Butifyoucry,youwillbeone,Lottiepet.YouPROMISED."Lottierememberedthatshehadpromised,butshepreferredtoliftuphervoice.
"Ihaven’tanymamma,"sheproclaimed."Ihaven’t—abit—ofmamma."
"Yes,youhave,"saidSara,cheerfully."Haveyouforgotten?Don’tyouknowthatSaraisyourmamma?Don’tyouwantSaraforyourmamma?"
